Before the start of practice on Thursday, sophomore guard Mario Chalmers spoke to Jayhawk Slant about his status for the season opener against Northern Arizona on Saturday night. Additionally, Jayhawk Slant spoke to Russell Robinson, Darnell Jackson, Darrell Arthur and Brandon Rush about the first game and a variety of other topics.

Robinson Ready To Get The Season Started:

"We just got to suck it up defensively," said Robinson. "I think everybody has a good feel for what to expect and what to look forward to in the games. Everybody's role in more defined now that we've got two exhibition games under our belt. We've just got to go fourth from here.

"It (not having Mario Chalmers) definitely showed a little bit in the last game," he added. "The rotation is kind of messed up a little bit, but we just try to keep Mario in good spirits. He is doing a good job of getting rehab and getting better.

Jackson Hoping For Continued Success:

Throughout the two exhibition games against Washburn and Emporia State, Jackson averaged 14.5-points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The talented junior big man from Oklahoma hopes to duplicate those numbers throughout the regular season.

"I don't know that anything's different," said Jackson of his performance. "I've just been trying to do the same thing that Coach Bill Self always wants me to do. I just play my role and I don't expect to go out there and try to do anything different. I just want to work hard and help the team.